Niger Disburses ₦882m To 274 Wards For Development Projects

The Niger State Government has announced the disbursement of ₦3 million to each of the 274 political wards across the state’s 25 local government areas for the implementation of ward development projects.

The initiative, aimed at accelerating grassroots development, was unveiled during a statewide sensitisation tour led by the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Phallalu Bako, who also chairs the State Ward Development Project Steering Committee.

Bako reaffirmed Governor Umaru Bago’s commitment to revitalising ward-level development as a means to deliver tangible projects tailored to the specific needs of communities.

“Each ward will receive ₦3 million to implement community-identified projects. This project empowers communities to take ownership of their development priorities,” Bako stated.

The steering committee visited the Emirate councils of Suleja, Lapai, and Agaie to brief traditional leaders and stakeholders on the objectives and implementation framework of the initiative.

Bako emphasised thatward and local government development committees—comprising representatives from traditional, religious, political, and civil society groups—would be established to oversee fund utilisation and project execution, ensuring transparency and accountability.

He said the government was committed to ensure transparency and value for every amount spent.

“It is not going to be business as usual. We are committed to transparency, community participation, and value for every kobo spent,” he said.

Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Binta Mamman, praised the initiative as a step towards alleviating the suffering of vulnerable groups, especially women.

“When boreholes, primary health centres, and schools are functional, productivity and socio-economic growth will be boosted,” she said.

Traditional rulers, including the Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umaru Bago III; Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu; and Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim (represented by the Madakin Suleja, Shuibu Gani), lauded the state government’s initiative. They stressed the importance of grassroots development and urged stakeholders to ensure accountability and effective monitoring.

The steering committee includes top government officials, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, and representatives from key ministries.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural and Community Development, Yakubu Mohammed, serves as the committee’s secretary.

The sensitisation tour is expected to continue across other emirates and local government areas in the coming days.